[barryswife]

I thought I'd write up a step-by-step b/c I do better using lists.
1. Make sure you have plenty of time (at least an hour at 1st.)
2.Get ready to get organized. Sounds simple, but it's discouraging to sit down with good intentions and not have something you need. Have EVERYTHING you need, down to a drink and the phone, ready before you start.

You will need:
1.Binder. I use a 3" zip up binder with a shounder strap (It's a case it from Amazon.com: Case-it Large Capacity Fuchsia Zipper Binder (D-145): Office Products )

2.9 up baseball card pages or something similar. (you can get these from Walmart or Amazon.)

3.Pencil pouch.

4.Scissors, highlighter, pencil, pen, dry erase marker

5.Stick on tabs page dividers.

6.Folder with closure on it

7.Get the layout written down for the store you do most of your shopping in. You can see my store list on the link attached to this post.

To make:
1.Put items from 4 in 3.
2.Put everything in the binder.
3.Write down the aisle titles on the tabs, then place one on each card page, staggered so that you can see each one.
4.Put coupons in pages.
5.Any that you can't see dates on, write the exp. date with the dry erase marker on the card page (it will wipe off)
6.Use the folder for coupons you've not got time to file or haven't clipped.

If it's too heavy: Makes sure you keep everything current. If the q is for a small amount and you wouldn't use that item unless it was being given to you, then maybe get a small binder for those items or trade/give those couopns. You could keep a small folder with pages in it for store specific coupons and only put that folder in when your going to the store (make sure to keep them in a bag in your car- just in case you get the urge to go in 1.)
If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.
HTH someone.

[Couponclipper003]

Very nice! The link on #7 didn't work for me though... I also use a 3" Case-It and wouldn't trade it for the world!!!!!!! It took me a while to get used to though..I started wtih a small coupon organizer and now I feel like I am taking a suitcase shopping with me but leave smiling every trip because of how much it saves me! I also take an extra ziplock with me and put the q's I use in a ziplock as I shop so when I get to the check-out, I just open up the ziplock and hand over the q's

[ultrabextr]

the baseball card pages can be bought at Toys r Us also, but are cheapest at TARGET!!!

[stressybessy]

Thanks for this - As my coupon collection grows I am starting to struggle with organization and this step by step is super helpful

Danni

[barryswife]

Originally Posted by Couponclipper003

Very nice! The link on #7 didn't work for me though... I also use a 3" Case-It and wouldn't trade it for the world!!!!!!! It took me a while to get used to though..I started wtih a small coupon organizer and now I feel like I am taking a suitcase shopping with me but leave smiling every trip because of how much it saves me! I also take an extra ziplock with me and put the q's I use in a ziplock as I shop so when I get to the check-out, I just open up the ziplock and hand over the q's

I just updated the link. I didn't do it right the 1st time, oops. Thanks for letting me know.

[chella009]

great thanks I love direction.

[pcomsec]

That's actually very help. I'd suggest one more thing - the tv remote!!

[barryswife]

I don't have enough concentration most of the time to use the tv remote too (HAHA!) Too bad, b/c it takes me a while to get things done. Great idea for the better multitaskers. Thanks

[5zamoras]

Thank You~ Your tips are very helpful & informative. I will be trying out your method!

[Sarsi]

Do you mind my asking what is so special about the Case-it brand of binder?? Compared to others.... thanks!

[barryswife]

There's nothing special. It just happens to be the 1 I found that had everything I wanted in it (color I liked, file pockets, 3" rings, zipper, shoulder strap, feels well constructed.) There are other brands that offer these things, I'm sure.

[Sarsi]

Oh I see...hmm...I'm just looking around online. I'm wanting to start a binder, and was just wondering what you liked so much about this one. How many coupons do you normally hold in yours??

Oh and Thank you so much for the instructions!! I can't wait to make one of these and this will make it so much easier!!

[barryswife]

I have 2 packs of 9 up baseball card pages in there. (Holds 760, I think.) It is usually full too! If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know.

[kmeiding]

I never thought of writing on the pages with a dry erase marker! Thanks for that idea. I also didn't know that the pages were cheapest at Target. I'll have to remember that if I ever need more. I bought two packs and still have empty pages. My binder is only 1 1/2 inches and holds all the pages in those two packs.

I bought some pencil holders that are clear on one side and fit into binders for .25 each at my Walmart. They are like a small folder with a zipper, not sure how to describe them. You probably know what I'm talking about.

One more thing that I need to get is page dividers. I'm thinking about just separating food, hba, cleaners, pet and baby, and store coupons. I have one page in the back of my binder for Target coupons.

Also, if your binder has the accordian folders in front, that's a great place to store uncut inserts and unused card pages.

[barryswife]

I strongly recommend getting the little stick on dividers and putting them on every page. I have a few pages right now that aren't labeled and they are a pain in the... Also, the regular page dividers don't stick out past my ball card pages so make sure you try before you buy. (you don't have to open the pack, just open your binder rings and line up the holes, if you still see the card pages- get something else.)

I use my accordian folders for uncut inserts and sales papers too. Love that. Sounds like our binders are similar. I have a page in the back for Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid, other stores, and resturants. (seperate pages of course.)

[kmeiding]

Ok thanks. I'll definitely check that out before I buy any.

[tattooeddarlin]

im gettin there. i havent made it to the 3 ring binder stage yet . i pick on a gal at work all the time since she became a coupon addict. i guess i drank some of her koolaid, hi kelly

[barryswife]

I had 5, yes 5, acordian type coupon holders before I decided it wasn't working for me, been striving to be a binder queen ever since!! I moved up to the cutest pola dot 1" notebook, that didn't last too long. I was sad to have to stop using it But, on the flip side, the more q's I have, the more I'm able to save. Now, if I'd just sit down and clip, not been feeling it and it may be a sin, but I've not clipped a whole insert in 3+ weeks!!!

[tattooeddarlin]

that sounds like the same amount of inserts i just dug out of my car to clip and sort. my car is funky nasty and looks like i live out of it. getting just the newspapers clothes and mail out of it helped a bunch! hhmmm maybe i do live in my car....uh oh

[barryswife]

I try to keep control of the car clutter, but... Yeah, I can completely imagine that in my own some days! Pretty funny!

[barryswife]

Thanks couponclipper003, the ziploc bags a good idea. I usually use an envelope. I'm subject to open junk mail, throw away, and use the envelope for coupons.

Another idea I'm implementing: When we get sales papers and match coupons up to the paper, put coupons in an envelope (or baggie) and staple to the sales paper. Then you make sure you have pulled them all. Also might write shopping list on envelope, or scenerios.

[Linda Smythe]

If you choose to use divider pages profesionally printed and ready to go, visit smartspending resources and order the set for @$14. I love mine. I've added the stick on tabs to further divide the sections into subsections. The professional tabs don't stick out quite far enough but I allow for that minor imperfection. I found clear vinyl photo pages at Hobby Lobby half price. The slots in these pages are a little larger than those in the baseball card holders.

Purchased my 3" zipper binder (has a Tug label) at Office Depot for $18-20 I think. It has a large velcro pouch and slide in area behind it on the front cover and 3 mesh pockets, clear vinyl id holder, and pencil holder inside the front cover. A handle on the spine is very useful. It gets quite heavy at times so I try to park a little further out in the parking lots near a grocery cart so I can immediately put my things in the cart and let the fun begin! You'll love it once you get yours set up.

[kmeiding]

Thanks for the idea of the photo pages at Hobby Lobby. That would be great for some of the coupons that I can't fit into the smaller pockets, especially those that I can't fold.

[tattooeddarlin]

i kinda do all my planning backwards. i look thru the sales ads online for kroger and foodlion and walmart, then go thru my coupons and see what matches up. then i pull the coupons for those stores, put them in an envelope and write down what i need from that store on it. i still bring the rest of my coupons with me just in case i see a deal that wasnt in the flyer. with the amount of coupons i just clipped, im thinkin that binder idea is a good one

[kmeiding]

Originally Posted by tattooeddarlin

i kinda do all my planning backwards. i look thru the sales ads online for kroger and foodlion and walmart, then go thru my coupons and see what matches up. then i pull the coupons for those stores, put them in an envelope and write down what i need from that store on it. i still bring the rest of my coupons with me just in case i see a deal that wasnt in the flyer. with the amount of coupons i just clipped, im thinkin that binder idea is a good one

Your idea is a good one too. It makes your regular shopping go faster so you don't have to search for the coupons for things you know you will get. I need to get in the habit of always bringing my binder as well. I have a small accordion file that I store in my purse, but I have come across a few things that I had coupons for in my binder which I often forget at home.